Method And System For Allocating Solar Radiation Between Multiple Applications

ABSTRACT

The system facilitates dynamically allocating a variable amount of solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on optimizing a time-dependent cost function using multiple parameters as inputs to the cost function. Also described is an optical architecture that enables dynamically channeling incident solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on the optimization of a cost function. A solar allocation and distribution system includes an allocation sub-system; a distribution sub-system; and a controller configured for controlling the allocation sub-system and the distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function, wherein the cost function is time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application(PPA) Ser. No. 61/295,793 filed Jan. 18, 2010 by the present inventors,which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment generally relates to solar energy collection, andin particular, it concerns optimizing the allocation of solar radiationbetween applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern facilities use solar energy for a variety of applications. Threeprimary uses of solar energy are for heating, electrical power, andlighting. Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of a typical solar collectingsystem, solar panels, also known as solar energy collectors, such asthermal solar panel 132, and photovoltaic (PV) solar panel 134, captureLIGHT for a variety of applications 102 within a facility 120. In thecontext of this document, the term facility generally refers to theconsumer of the collected solar energy, typically a house, apartmentbuilding, office building, campus (multiple structures), and residentialand/or industrial structures. As is common in the field, solar radiationincluding near infrared (IR) and visible wavelength light are generallysimply referred to as light. Typical solar applications, or in thecontext of this document simply referred to as applications 102, includethermal conversion 104 such as water heating 106 and space heating 108,photovoltaic conversion 110 (such as electricity generation for runningelectrical appliances and area lighting), and other applications 114.Another solar application is illumination or area lighting, usingcomponents such as skylight 130 or a light waveguide (not shown). Avariety of solar panels are commercially available, and deployment,operation, and maintenance of conventional solar panels are well knownin the industry. Although reference may be made to “an application” inthe singular, application should be interpreted as including thepossibility of multiple applications, except where specifically notedotherwise. In the context of this document, references to the term solarcollection system generally refer to one or more solar panels,application components, and related support components.

Existing solar energy collection systems typically address only a singleaspect, or at most two of these three primary uses of solar energy. As aresult, the available solar energy falling on the external surfaces of astructure is not optimally utilized to meet the energy or commercialneeds of the occupants or associated entities. An example of aconventional solar collection system is European patent applicationEP1993145, to Massimo Sillano for Solar energy collection panel forrooftop and similar installation, which teaches a mechanical system for“the exposure of the solar (thermal) collector only under optimumconditions of solar radiation, otherwise providing the total or partialcovering of the solar collector itself by the photovoltaic collector.”Similar hybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic products are commerciallyavailable to alter the use of a given amount of solar exposure based onthe environment or facility usage.

There is therefore a need for a method and system for allocating solarradiation between multiple applications based on optimization ofmultiple parameters.

SUMMARY

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided asolar allocation and distribution system including: an allocationsub-system; a distribution sub-system; and a controller configured forcontrolling the allocation sub-system and the distribution sub-systembased on optimizing a cost function, wherein the cost function istime-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.

In an optional embodiment, the solar allocation and distribution systemincludes an array of reflectors that are independently adjustable by thecontroller in orientation along a given axis of each of the reflectors.In another optional embodiment, the solar allocation and distributionsystem includes one or more secondary reflectors configured todistribute solar radiation to one or more solar applications. In anotheroptional embodiment, the reflectors are dichroic reflectors. In anotheroptional embodiment, the solar allocation and distribution systemincludes an array of dichroic reflectors configured to distributerespective spectrums of incoming solar radiation between solarapplications. In another optional embodiment, the solar allocation anddistribution system includes a uni-axial opto-mechanical architecture,wherein the uni-axial control is East-West.

In an optional embodiment, the allocation subsystem includes at leasttwo components selected from a group consisting of: solar thermalcollectors; solar photovoltaic collectors; optically adjustableskylights; and optical lightguides for internal illumination.

In another optional embodiment, the system further include an array ofreflectors that are dynamically configured to provide solar radiation toat least two components selected from a group consisting of: solarthermal collectors; solar photovoltaic collectors; optically adjustableskylights; and optical lightguides for internal illumination.

In an optional embodiment, the controller is configured to control thesolar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiation toat least two applications selected from the group consisting of: thermalconversion; photovoltaic conversion and light transmission. In anotheroptional embodiment, the controller is configured to dynamically controlthe solar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiationbased on the cost function being time-dependent on a time of day.

In an optional embodiment, the cost function is additionally based on atleast two parameters selected from a group consisting of: commercialparameters derived from energy use of the facility; environmentalparameters derived from an environment of the facility; environmentalparameters derived from an environment of the solar allocation anddistribution system; technical parameters derived from the solarallocation and distribution system; and economic parameters derived fromenergy usage costs.

In another optional embodiment, the controller is configured todynamically control the solar allocation and distribution system toprovide solar radiation based on optimizing the cost function tominimize the expense of providing energy to a facility.

According to the teachings of the present embodiment there is provided amethod including the steps of: providing a solar allocation anddistribution system for supplying solar radiation to a plurality ofapplications; and distributing the solar radiation among the pluralityof applications according to a cost function that is time dependent andbased on energy utilization of a facility.

In an optional embodiment, the step of distributing includes dynamicallycontrolling the allocation of solar radiation based on the cost functionbeing time-dependent on a time of day.

In an optional embodiment, the cost function is additionally based onparameters derived from at least two parameters selected from a groupconsisting of: commercial parameters derived from energy use of thefacility; environmental parameters derived from an environment of thefacility; environmental parameters derived from, an environment of thesolar allocation and distribution system; technical parameters derivedfrom the solar allocation and distribution system; and economicparameters derived from energy usage costs.

In an optional embodiment, the step of distributing includes controllingthe allocation of solar radiation to at least two applications selectedfrom the group consisting of: thermal conversion; photovoltaicconversion; light transmission; and electricity storage. In anotheroptional embodiment, the step of distributing includes optimizing thecost function to minimize the expense of providing energy to thefacility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The embodiment is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical solar collecting system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a solar allocation anddistribution system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a solar allocation and distributionsystem.

FIG. 4 is a chart of solar energy allocation to applications.

FIG. 5 is a chart of percentage of solar energy allocated toapplications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles and operation of the method and system according to apresent embodiment may be better understood with reference to thedrawings and the accompanying description. A present embodiment is amethod and system for allocating solar radiation between multipleapplications based on optimization of multiple parameters. The systemfacilitates dynamically allocating a variable amount of solar radiationto or between multiple solar applications based on optimizing atime-dependent cost function using multiple parameters as inputs to thecost function. Also described is an optical architecture that enablesdynamically channeling incident solar radiation to or between multiplesolar applications based on the optimization of a cost function.

In contrast to conventional hybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic products,that alter the use of a given amount of solar exposure based on theenvironment or facility usage, the current embodiment can allocate avariable amount of solar radiation based on optimization of amultiple-parameter cost function, including economic parameters. Sincethe cost function is dependent on parameters that can be variable intime, the channeling optical architecture itself must be adjustable inresponse to the changing cost function.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of asolar allocation and distribution system 200. An allocation sub-system202 channels a variable amount of solar radiation, shown as LIGHT, to adistribution sub-system 204. Allocation sub-system 202 is also referredto as a channeling optical architecture, as the architecture of thissub-system provides a capability to channel, or direct, via optical andmechanical components a variable amount of incoming solar radiation tothe distribution sub-system 204 for distribution to solar applications102. Note that for clarity allocation sub-system 202, distributionsub-system 204, and applications 102 are drawn separately, however oneskilled in the art will understand that typically connections andconfigurations are dependent on the specifics of the components.Distribution sub-system 204 includes transducers for converting incomingsolar radiation for the energy utilization of a facility. In analternative implementation, the allocation and distribution sub-systemsare combined into an allocation and distribution sub-system, with systemcomponents providing concurrent allocation and distribution of solarradiation. Controlling the solar allocation and distribution system 200includes controlling the allocation of solar radiation to at least twoapplications selected from a group including thermal conversion 104,photovoltaic conversion 110, and light transmission 112. Collection ofsolar radiation is also referred to in the field as conversion of solarradiation, for distribution and/or use of applications.

A cost function is typically based on a plurality of inputs. The costfunction can be based on multiple parameters, including, but not limitedto commercial parameters 212, technical parameters 214, environmentalparameters 216, and/or economic parameters. Optimization 210 of the costfunction facilitates control of the solar allocation and, distributionsystem 200. References to a cost function should be understood to alsoinclude evaluation of the cost function in the context of businessmodels, operational policies, and operational goals. Cost functions andoptimization of cost functions are known in the art. Based on thisdescription, one skilled in the art will be able to design and implementoptimization of a cost function appropriate for a specificimplementation.

A cost function is provided that is time-dependent and based on energyutilization of a facility. In the context of this document, the termenergy utilization generally refers to the types and quantities of oneor more forms of energy being used by a facility. Energy utilizationincludes, but is not limited to, how much water heating 106, hot waterstorage 220, space heating 108, space cooling 222, photovoltaicconversion 110 (such as electricity generation for running electricalappliances), electricity storage 116, and light transmission(lighting/light for illumination) 112 are needed in a facility 120 andtime dependence of the utilization.

A cost function can be based on commercial parameters. Commercialparameters 212 or structural parameters are associated with a facility120. Commercial parameters that can be taken into account in theoptimization and distribution of available solar energy include, but arenot limited to:

-   -   heating or cooling requirements of a facility,    -   electrical requirements of a facility,    -   illumination requirements, such as area and work,    -   costs of electricity provided by a utility company as a function        of time of day, and    -   price paid for electricity provided to utility company.

The above-listed examples of commercial parameters can betime-dependent. Time dependencies of commercial parameters include, butare not limited to varying energy utilization of a facility. Timedependency is typically most significant depending on the time (hour) ofthe day. Controlling the solar allocation and distribution system 200includes controlling the allocation and distribution of solar radiationto one or more of a plurality of applications based on a time-dependentcost function, dependent on a time of day. Other time dependenciesinclude, but are not limited to, day of the week, week of the year,monthly cycles, time of year, yearly use, and/or a periodic use.Non-limiting examples of commercial parameters that are dependent on thehour of the day include, but are not limited to: the minimum amount ofarea lighting that is needed for a facility during the night, anincreased energy requirement at a given hour of the day as workersarrive at a facility, and a sufficient amount of area lighting forworkers or customers during business hours. A non-limiting example of ana periodic use is a special event that will occur at a company'sfacility next week (in the future), for which an anticipated additionalamount of energy will needed to be used on the day of the special event.

Commercial parameters can be derived from energy use of a facility.Depending on the implementation, economic factors can be included in thecommercial parameters, or the cost function can be additionally based ona separate set of economic parameters. Economic parameters include, butare not limited to, the above-listed costs of electricity provided by autility company, and price paid for electricity provided to a utilitycompany (commonly known as “selling back” electricity to the grid). Apreferred implementation is controlling the solar allocation anddistribution system 200 based on optimizing the cost function tominimize the expense of providing energy to the facility. Economicparameters, including economic metrics can be used in the optimizationof a cost function facilitating the selection and determination timedependent redistribution of the available solar energy between and amongapplications.

A cost function can be based on environmental parameters 216.Environmental parameters can be derived from an environment of thefacility and/or environment of the solar allocation and distributionsystem. In the context of this document, the term environment generallyrefers to external conditions and/or surroundings. Environmentalparameters that can be taken into account in the optimization anddistribution of available solar energy include, but are not limited to:

-   -   typical intensity of solar radiation depending on time of day        and year (in a systematic predictable way),    -   cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions (effects the        current intensity of solar radiation in a fashion which is        unpredictable in the short term but predictable on the average        in the medium and long term), and    -   ambient temperature (effects solar conversion efficiency and        structure heating and/or cooling requirements).

The above-listed examples of environmental parameters can betime-dependent. A non-limiting example of environmental parameters thatare dependent on time is the typical intensity of solar radiation on aparticular day at a particular hour, which can be used to pre-configurethe allocation sub-system 202 to take advantage of the anticipated solarradiation. Another example is the current temperature outside abuilding, or the direction and speed of change of temperature outside abuilding, which can be used to provide an appropriate amount of heatingor cooling to the building, or collection of solar energy inanticipation of future needs. In other words, the temperature outside isgetting colder, so generate more hot water now and store the hot waterin hot water storage 220 while the sun is out, so we can use the hotwater later in the day to heat the building.

A cost function can be based on technical parameters 214. Technicalparameters are derived from the solar allocation and distribution system200. Technical parameters that can be taken into account in theoptimization and distribution of available solar energy include, but arenot limited to:

-   -   conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells and dependence on        cell temperature,    -   conversion efficiency of solar thermal collectors and dependence        on differential between ambient and current levels of solar        radiation,    -   stagnation temperature of solar thermal collectors,    -   transmission efficiency of illumination inlets or illumination        waveguides,    -   transmission efficiency of illumination waveguides, and    -   storage capacity of hot water tanks.

The above-listed examples of technical parameters can be time-dependent.A non-limiting example of technical parameters that are dependent ontime is the degradation in efficiency of photovoltaic cells over thelifetime of the photovoltaic cells. Depending on the implementation,economic factors can be included in the technical parameters. Economicparameters that are related to the technical parameters and/or solarcollection and distribution include the costs of operating andmaintaining the collection systems and associated applications.

Optimization 210 of the cost function for control of the solarallocation and distribution system 200 includes modifying thedistribution of available solar radiation between applications to matchan economic optimization function. To further clarify possibleimplementations of the current embodiment and advantages overconventional solar collection systems, the following non-limitingexamples of optimization are now provided:

-   -   Since electricity based illumination systems have conversion        efficiencies much less than unity, optimization distribution can        include putting priority on illumination transmission over        photovoltaic conversion.    -   Since thermal conversion efficiency is typically much higher        than photovoltaic conversion efficiencies, if backup heating        systems are electrical, then optimizing distribution can include        putting priority on thermal requirements.    -   If thermal control systems in the facility indicate that the        required temperature has been reached, solar radiation can be        redirected and distributed entirely to photovoltaic conversion        for electricity storage or sellback to the grid.    -   If illumination is not required, as for example in the        afternoons and weekends in schools, solar radiation can be        redirected to photovoltaic or thermal conversion for electrical        or thermal storage or electrical sellback to the grid.    -   Since solar thermal systems may have thermal reservoir        capabilities, the optimization system may utilize weather        predictions to adjust solar radiation distribution in        anticipation of near future conditions.    -   Since the cost of purchasing electricity from a utility company        may vary with the time of day, the prioritization of available        solar radiation can be changed accordingly.

In a preferred implementation, the applications 102 include electricitystorage 116, typically implemented as a battery system receivinggenerated electricity from photovoltaic conversion 110. Electricalstorage 116 facilitates storage of excess electricity from photovoltaicconversion 110, or in other words, when energy usage of a facility isbeing met by the solar allocation and distribution system, additionalsolar radiation available to the allocation sub-system 202 can bedistributed 204 for photovoltaic conversion 110 and electricity storage116. Stored electricity can be saved for future usage or anticipatedenergy usage, or optionally sold back to a utility company 226.

Similar to electricity storage 116, the applications 102 can include hotwater storage 220. Hot water storage 220 facilitates storage of excesshot water from water heating 106. In a case where the hot water usage ofa facility is being met by the solar allocation and distribution system,additional solar radiation available to the allocation sub-system 202can be distributed 204 for water heating conversion 106 and hot waterstorage 220. Stored hot water can be saved for future usage oranticipated energy usage.

Specific distribution and operation can be based on optimization of thecost function, in particular the economic parameters. An exampleoptimization outcome is shown in FIG. 4 a chart of solar energyallocation to applications and FIG. 5 a chart of percentage of solarenergy allocated to applications. This example is for a commercialbuilding on Jul. 1, 2010 in Cambridge Mass., USA. The building hasoperating hours from 8 am until 6 pm. In the early hours of the day,until 8 am, all available solar radiation is equally allocated betweensolar thermal collectors and photovoltaic collectors, consistent withthe architectural limitations of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Thisenables the generation of necessary hot water required by the buildingoccupants during the day. This can be seen in FIG. 5 where 50% of thesolar energy is allocated to heat before 8 am with the remainder of thesolar energy allocated to photovoltaic conversion. At 8 am, lights areswitched on, with a requirement of 100 W/m2 on the skylight/waveguides,which channel daylight into the facility for area illumination. In FIG.4 at 8 am 100 W/m2 is needed, corresponding in FIG. 5 to 20% of thesolar energy is allocated to light. During the day, the lightingrequirement remains constant, as can be seen in FIG. 4 from 8 am to 6pm, but as can be seen in FIG. 5 due to the variation in available solarradiation during the day, the percentage of available solar energyallocated to lighting changes to meet this requirement. Domestic hotwater storage requirements are met when the storage tank reaches therequired temperature, at which time all energy beyond the lightingrequirements is switched over to photovoltaic applications for localelectrical needs or to sell back to the grid. This can be seen in FIG. 4where during the 12 pm hour, power allocation begins, and at the 1 pmhour solar energy is no longer being allocated to heat. At 6 pm,lighting is switched off and all residual solar radiation until sunsetis dedicated to photovoltaic conversion for running electricalappliances and electricity storage.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of a solar allocation anddistribution system is shown. Note that this is one exemplaryimplementation to assist in the description of this embodiment andshould not detract from the utility and basic advantages of theinvention. Conventional systems are commercially available with avariety of architectures and technologies to collect and convert solarradiation to either heat or electricity. In contrast to conventionalhybrid solar thermal/photovoltaic products that alter the use of a givenamount of solar exposure based on the environment or facility usage, thecurrent embodiment can allocate a variable amount of solar radiationbased on optimization of a multiple-parameter cost function, includingeconomic parameters. Since the cost function is dependent on parametersthat can be variable in time, the solar allocation and distributionsystem must be dynamically adjustable in response to the changing costfunction.

One aspect of the solar allocation and distribution system is anopto-mechanical architecture, as the architecture of the system includesboth optical and mechanical components. The exemplary implementation ofFIG. 3 facilitates incoming solar radiation, shown as LIGHT to beallocated and distributed between and among three solar applications:solar thermal conversion, photovoltaic conversion, and lighttransmission (illumination). Incoming LIGHT, shown as arrows 300 isincident on an array of reflectors 302. Based on evaluation of a costfunction, light is allocated (shown as arrows 304, 308, and 314)optionally via secondary reflectors 310 and/or 316 to solar thermalpanel 306, solar photovoltaic (PV) panel 312, and/or opticallyadjustable skylight(s) 318 or waveguides (not shown), respectively. Inother words, multiple separate solar energy collecting sub-systems arecombined with a solar energy optimization and allocation sub-system. Theopto-mechanical architecture supports additional applications, which arenot shown in the current diagram. A controller 320 is configured forcontrolling the solar allocation and distribution system based onoptimizing a cost function. As described above, the cost function ispreferably time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.

The controller 320 can be implemented as a processing system includingone or more processors. Processing can be centralized, or distributedthroughout the system, as appropriate for a specific implementation. Forclarity, connections between the controller 320 and other systemcomponents are not shown. Optionally, the controller 320 can beconnected to environmental sensors. Environmental sensors include, butare not limited to, thermometers to measure temperature in theenvironment of the solar allocation and distribution system, thetemperature in multiple areas outside the facility 120 (such as onseveral sides of a building), the temperature in multiple areas insidethe facility 120, light detectors (such as photodiodes) to measureavailable solar radiation in the visible and IR spectrums duringdaylight hours (varies with time of day and degree of cloud cover), andelectrical load sensors to measure the amount of electricity usage of afacility, optionally in one or more areas of the facility.

The controller can be optionally and/or additionally be in communicationwith:

-   -   an electric utility company 226 that broadcasts utility rates        that depend on time of day and on load,    -   local weather station(s) or weather information provider(s) to        request and/or receive weather forecasts for the day or week,        for example to anticipate the impact the weather will have on        the system in relation to current and anticipated energy usage,    -   flow sensors to indicate hot water demands for domestic hot        water use, space heating, and/or space cooling.

The controller 320 can be configured with an associated cost functionfor allocating and distributing solar thermal energy that is required bymore than one application. A non-limiting example is a distribution offluid flowing from a solar thermal collector between either a solarcooling application or a domestic hot water application. A solar coolingapplication requires substantially higher temperature fluid than adomestic hot water application. The controller can monitor thetemperature of fluid coming from the solar thermal collector and divertthe fluid from domestic hot water to solar cooling as soon as thetemperature of the fluid reaches a temperature required for solarcooling. When the temperature of the fluids drops below the temperaturerequired for solar cooling (for instance later in the day when solarradiation levels diminish) the controller can divert the fluid back todomestic hot water later. A similar example can be envisaged in certainclimates where solar cooling is required in the daytime and solarheating in the nighttime. In this case, the fluid flow can be switchedfrom cooling to heating in the afternoon hours.

The implementation of an array of reflectors 302 can depend on thespecifics of the operation of the system, and includes, but is notlimited to the quantity of reflectors, type of reflector, arraytopology, and axis control. For a typical Northern hemisphereinstallation, in FIG. 3 south is to the left. Incoming solar radiationfalls on the array of reflectors 302, and each reflector isindependently adjustable in orientation along one or more axes of eachreflector. The reflectors 302 are independently controlled to eitherredistribute the light to the solar PV panel 312 or the skylight 318 viathe secondary reflectors (parabolic reflector 310, or illuminationsecondary reflector 316, respectively), or to allow maximum light tofall on the solar thermal panel 306.

In a uni-axial implementation, each reflector can be rotated on a singleaxis. A uni-axial implementation facilitates a simplified design andreduced costs, as compared to multi-axial designs. In a preferredimplementation, each reflector is independently adjustable inorientation along an East-West axis. The current embodiment can be usedwith multi-axial designs, and based on this description one skilled inthe art will be able to implement an appropriate reflector array.Reflectors can be planar or concave reflectors.

In one implementation, each of the reflectors in the array of reflectors302 can be independently rotated, such that incoming light 300 isallowed to pass one or more of the reflectors and allowed to impinge 304on solar thermal panel 306, or rotated such that incoming light 300 isreflected to secondary reflectors 310 and/or 316 for respective PVallocation 308 and/or illumination allocation 314 respectively to solarPV panel 312, and/or optically adjustable skylight(s) 318 or waveguides.

Reflectors can also be dichroic in design, allowing distribution betweenapplications in the solar spectral dimension, in addition todistribution in the time domain. In an example implementation withdichroic reflectors, radiation outside the spectral domain of efficientphotovoltaic conversion impinges entirely on the solar thermalcollectors (arrows for thermal allocated 304 to solar thermal panel306), while all photons of energy above the band gap of silicon arereflected towards the photovoltaic conversion panels (arrows for PVallocation 308 to solar PV panel 312).

In one implementation, the array of reflectors 302 is dynamicallyconfigured to provide solar radiation to at least two applicationsincluding thermal conversion, photovoltaic conversion, lighttransmission, and electricity storage or sellback to the grid. In apreferred implementation, the controller 320 optimizes a cost functionthat is time-dependent on a time of day. The controller can beconfigured to dynamically control the solar allocation and distributionsystem to provide solar radiation based on the cost function beingtime-dependent on a time of day. The cost function can be based on atleast two parameters including: commercial, environmental parameters,technical parameters, and economic parameters. The controller can beconfigured to optimize a cost function that is based on a plurality ofinputs, and evaluate the cost function in the context of businessmodels, operational policies, and operational goals, which are used bythe controller to control the solar allocation and collection system.Configuration of the controller includes being able to dynamicallycontrol the solar allocation and distribution system to provide solarradiation based on optimizing the cost function to minimize the expenseof providing energy to a facility.

Additional and alternative options that can be included in the solarallocation and distribution system include, but are not limited to:

-   -   coupling light into a facility by fiber bundles,    -   concave or planar secondary reflectors for distributing light to        different applications,    -   longitudinal vertical reflectors (or beam splitters) in        illumination cavity to homogenize along East-West axis during        morning and afternoon times,    -   dual axis solar tracking, and    -   redirection of incoming radiation away from solar thermal        collectors when the collector has reached stagnation temperature        and/or away from photovoltaic collectors when the collectors        have reached the collectors' respective maximum operating        temperatures and further solar illumination may result in damage        to either of the conversion units.

Integration of additional modules for optimization is foreseen. Forexample, a technique taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,592 to Smith et alfor System and method for energy management, teaches a businessmethodology for optimizing energy procurement, energy demand (usage),and energy supply for a facility or complex. The method of Smith et alcould be added to an embodiment of the currently described system forsolar allocation and distribution, for example on the “other side” ofthe facility, in other words, where electricity is purchased to providethe balance of energy not supplied by the solar allocation anddistribution system. This method of Smith et al could provide additionalinputs to the optimization function, for example the cost ofelectricity, for assisting in determining the optimal combination ofcollection and distribution.

Note that a variety of implementations for components and processing arepossible, depending on the application. Processing is preferablyimplemented in software, but can also be implemented in hardware andfirmware, on a single processor or distributed processors, at one ormore locations. The above-described component functions can be combinedand implemented as fewer modules or separated into sub-components andimplemented as a larger number of modules. Based on the abovedescription, one skilled in the art will be able to design animplementation for a specific application.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only toserve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible withinthe scope of the present invent on as defined in the appended claims.

1. A solar allocation and distribution system comprising: (a) anallocation sub-system; (b) a distribution sub-system; and (c) acontroller configured for controlling said allocation sub-system andsaid distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function,wherein said cost function is time-dependent and based on energyutilization of a facility.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the solarallocation and distribution system includes an array of reflectors thatare independently adjustable by said controller in orientation along agiven axis of each of the reflectors.
 3. The system of claim 2 whereinthe solar allocation and distribution system includes one or moresecondary reflectors configured to distribute solar radiation to one ormore solar applications.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the reflectorsare dichroic reflectors.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the solarallocation and distribution system includes an array of dichroicreflectors configured to distribute respective spectrums of incomingsolar radiation between solar applications.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein the solar allocation and distribution system includes auni-axial opto-mechanical architecture, wherein the uni-axial control isEast-West.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said allocation subsystemincludes at least two components selected from a group consisting of:(a) solar thermal collectors; (b) solar photovoltaic collectors; (c)optically adjustable skylights; and (d) optical lightguides for internalillumination.
 8. The system of claim 1 further including an array ofreflectors that are dynamically configured to provide solar radiation toat least two components selected from a group consisting of: (a) solarthermal collectors; (b) solar photovoltaic collectors; (c) opticallyadjustable skylights; and (d) optical lightguides for internalillumination.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller isconfigured to control the solar allocation and distribution system toprovide solar radiation to at least two applications selected from thegroup consisting of: thermal conversion; photovoltaic conversion andlight transmission.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller isconfigured to dynamically control the solar allocation and distributionsystem to provide solar radiation based on said cost function beingtime-dependent on a time of day.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein saidcost function is additionally based on at least two parameters selectedfrom a group consisting of: (a) commercial parameters derived fromenergy use of the facility; (b) environmental parameters derived from anenvironment of the facility; (c) environmental parameters derived froman environment of the solar allocation and distribution system; (d)technical parameters derived from the solar allocation and distributionsystem; and (e) economic parameters derived from energy usage costs. 12.The system of claim 1 wherein said controller is configured todynamically control the solar allocation and distribution system toprovide solar radiation based on optimizing said cost function tominimize the expense of providing energy to a facility.
 13. A methodcomprising the steps of: (a) providing a solar allocation anddistribution system for supplying solar radiation to a plurality ofapplications; and (b) distributing said solar radiation among saidplurality of applications according to a cost function that is timedependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.
 14. The methodof claim 1 wherein the step of distributing includes dynamicallycontrolling the allocation of solar radiation based on said costfunction being time-dependent on a time of day.
 15. The method of claim1 wherein said cost function is additionally based on parameters derivedfrom at least two parameters selected from a group consisting of: (a)commercial parameters derived from energy use of the facility; (b)environmental parameters derived from an environment of the facility;(c) environmental parameters derived from an environment of the solarallocation and distribution system; (d) technical parameters derivedfrom the solar allocation and distribution system; and (e) economicparameters derived from energy usage costs.
 16. The method of claim 1wherein the step of distributing includes controlling the allocation ofsolar radiation to at least two applications selected from the groupconsisting of thermal conversion; photovoltaic conversion; lighttransmission; and electricity storage.
 17. The method of claim 1 whereinthe step of distributing includes optimizing said cost function tominimize the expense of providing energy to the facility.